First Italian Destination?

How long is the trip? In general, if you start in Sicily in December, it would be moderate temps, but as you move north, it will be chilly in Rome until late March. " start south and work my way north, following the warmth. " defies reality. Be aware of the limited number of days that you can spend in Italy without a Visa.

What Bob said... Don't forget Schengen. If you don't know of what I speak, please pipe up.

Nigel, If you are referring for Jena's need for a Schengen Visa I don't think that is correct. If she has a US passport she can travel without a visa for up to 90 days. If you are just referring to the 90 day limit then you are correct. Jena, I'm assuming you are a backpacker and you know what you are getting yourself into as far as hiking around with a bunch of camping gear on your back. I won't try and talk you out of it but I think you should consider backing packing and hosteling instead of camping. Hostels are pretty darn cheap and when you consider the expenses associated with camping (permit fees and supplies) camping could even be more expensive. All that being said to answer your question if you want to fly into the area where you will begin your trip Naples is the most convenient. From there you can head further south. Good luck. This sounds like the trip of a lifetime. Can I go?

After I posted my last response, out of curiosity I googled camping in italy. Looks like it is not uncommon for camp grounds to close in the winter. So make sure the camp grounds you have in mind are open in the winter.

Jena, As the others have mentioned, you'll need to be very clear on the terms of the Schengen Visa, which allow tourists to stay within the Schengen zone for a maximum of 90-days. Those wishing to stay longer must apply for other types of Visas (which can be very complicated and time consuming to get). The penalties for overstaying can be SEVERE including fines and expulsion from Europe for up to 10 years! Could you clarify whether your "open ended agenda" means that you won't have a return ticket? Given the current "security climate", you'll very likely have problems with that approach. With the type of trip you're proposing, you might want to cross-post this question in the Western Europe section of the THORN TREE Message Board. It tends to attract lots of Backpackers who use the same type of travel methods. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the great advise. My trip is still in the baby stages of really planning out. I am aware of the need for visa's if i stay over 90 days, i believe its called a residency visa. I am more then likey going to travel to other parts of europe like France, Spain, and Germany, but will focus most of my time in Italy. KEN I will most definately try posting on the Thorn thanks for the advise. SCOTT Im honestly not sure what im getting myself into : ) but that is the adventure of it. Im not saying i wont stay in hostels while im in large cities, but I am an avid camper and go with a handy dandy wilderness survival guide <my spouse> I will admit being horrible at Geography most of the time....I honestly ment that in the winter the south is mild and as spring arrives to travel north slowly so im hitting mild spring from each destination. Am i wrong in this?

Jena, "I am more then likey going to travel to other parts of europe like France, Spain, and Germany, but will focus most of my time in Italy" Just so you're aware, the Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The 90-day limit applies to travel in any of those countries. Hopefully someone on the Thorn Tree will have some good suggestions for you. Good luck!

" I will admit being horrible at Geography most of the time....I honestly ment that in the winter the south is mild and as spring arrives to travel north slowly so im hitting mild spring from each destination. Am i wrong in this?" Think about the change of season from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA- same general idea as Rome to Milan. It would indicate that you plan on moving north at a very slow pace, setting you up for the 90 day limitation problem.

Camping and hiking in Europe is incredibly different than the US. We have so much more space for parks and wilderness. We found that sometimes what are called campgrounds are more like an RV park next to Greenlake, if you get my drift. You'll have a great time, but be aware that the experience will not be like in the States.

Is there any wilderness in Italy? I feel that one goes to Italy to enjoy the people-oriented experience, not the nature experience. And if you aren't in the towns and cities, you miss most of it, or you spend too much of your time getting to it.